Hi all
Obviously it’s with great sadness that I send out this weekend’s results as there is a notable name missing from the results. Last year Robbie Webster was either first or second v70 in each Border League race and even this year was still running in the hills, often seen at a fell race or bounding over Helsby in the daytime.
Below is a profile of Robbie that Joe and Mario have given me as many of the new runners may not have known Robbie plus more long term members might like to look at too, as it covers many of Robbies best times. It will be nice to add some comments to this blog article if you get the chance and maybe share some memories or wish your best to his family
Robbie didn’t start running till he was 31 but achieved a sub 3 hour marathon and 35 minute ten k among other accomplishments as well as some great battles at races in the club against the likes of Andy Todd.
I know many of you will have your own memories to cherish and I for one will be thankful that I got to spend a little time with Robbie at races and see him enjoying the hills, especially him tackling Cadar Idris earlier this year and the banter he had with Jimmy at each of the fell races was brilliant to behold. Being in the hills walking was something he did with a lot of his spare time and I know many of you will feel the same loss. If you get a moment next time you are in a fell race, have a think of Robbie and a look round when you reach a summit and remember we should make the most of all the time we get and let’s never forget what value a person’s spirit can give even when they are enjoying a separate journey, or a race that they can now enjoy by taking an eternity to complete.
I speak on behalf of everyone I am sure that this is a sad loss for Helsby Running Club but also we should be thankful Robbie enjoyed many years at Helsby in some grand times, such as driving the team mini-bus and being part of the big racing adventure on many weekends.
For those who wish to go to his funeral the details are below. If you need any more information please contact Mario as he has been brilliant in looking after Robbie these last few months and is in communication with Robbie’s family
Robbies funeral arrangements.
The Service and Burial will be 1.30 in Alvanley church (opposite White Lion Pub) on Friday December 28th.
Family flowers only have been requested and Donations to the Intensive Care Unit at ‘The Royal Liverpool Hospital’ would be welcomed and greatly appreciated.
The get together afterwards is at BICC club.
The address for condolence cards is,
c/o Vicky Sims
Honeysuckle Cottage,
9,Clunton,
Nr Craven Arms,
Shropshire
SY7 OHP
Helsby running club 
Keep on Running Robbie, enjoy the hills and the journey
Adair
Nicely chosen words. Robbie was on my mind a lot on Sunday after I heard the sad news, but my overriding memory is of his encouraging words, his delight in banter and his raw enthusiasm. More teenager than septuagenarian, and I mean that in the nicest way. A lesson to us all in just getting on with it. Terrific that he was still winning prizes a couple of months ago …and still getting changed into his Y-fronts afterwards in windswept car parks.
God bless you Robby it was a privilege to have known you, and your spirit will be running with us all at Helsby for ever.
So saddened to hear this news..My love and thoughts with your family.. Robbie, you were a ‘trooper’ to the end…run free now. There’s no limit in heaven..You will be missed by all. God bless you always…xxx.
I have two very strong memories of Robbie that sum him up for me. The first was a couple of years ago when my wife and I were walking on the Sandstone trail about 2 years ago. With my son in a baby carrier on my back Laura and I were just putting the walk in to justify the meal and drinks that we had planned in the pub. Out of nowhere Robbie came running towards us and stopped for a chat. He was doing laps which included the infamous disused railway line used in the Tattenhall Tough team challenge – where the Dr. dressed as the grim reaper stands at the top offering to put runners out of their misery! He didn’t just go for a jog, Robbie ran.
The second memory is of the support and coaching he gave to Jimmy. Taking him out training on the fells – the Rocky and Mickey of the running club!
I found Robbie inspiring; if I can be as active and run anything like he did when I’m in my 70’s then life will have been very kind to me. A great man who will most certainly be missed.
I remember the twinkle in his eyes, it was always there
For many years now, time and again I’d bump into Robbie on and around the Sandstone Trail or in Delamere Forest. His shock of grey hair would enable me to recognise him from a distance and we’d often share a wave from afar or catch a brief word as we passed (I couldn’t stop because I’d usually be running with a Client). My Clients would always be interested in me telling them about Robbie; his running successes, his fell races and his longevity in the sport and they would always comment on how impressed they were with his prowess, particularly when they realised that he was considerably older than they were. An example to them and an example to us all with his cheery outlook and club commitment. Thanks Robbie, keep on running.
Very sad to hear the news about Robbie. He was a great inspiration out on the fells and I loved the banter. It was always better when Robbie was at a race.
Brandon. Brisbane, Australia.
I’ve known Robbie for very many years, and have some great memories of him. He and I ran together in many a race, and it’s wonderful that he was running and racing until just a few months ago. He always had an encouraging word, and never complained. We shall miss him very much.
Thanks, Robbie, for all you did for the club, for running and for me.
Having known Robbie for 30 years he became a good friend of both myself and Karon. I would often bump into him in a morning on Foxhill for an update on his and the clubs exploits as we ran along for a couple of miles.Remembering the many trips out with the club on his mini bus would fill us both with good memories of races gone by and nights out with the usual refreshment after enjoyed by all knowing Robbie would get us home.
I’m sure his exploits will be remembered in the bar after many a race and training run as well they should be.
Cheers Robbie.
Many good and funfilled times with Robbie, on the fells, and on the bus, or anywhere, especially those training runs down Moel Famau and Cilcain etc… sometimes after a late night! Cheers Robbie you will be missed.
My fondest memories are of the hours/days spent training & racing with Robbie over many years. He was always a true gentleman and a magnificent ambassador for the Helsby Running Club who will be saddly missed by all that had the privilege to know him.
Always to be remembered .
Right from the early days of the club and even when Rob was obviously not well,whenever we were at the same race he would come over for a chat about running and how we were all doing, always smiling. A sad loss to us all.
What a star man – not only did he run Cader Idris this year but he was by no means last in the Hotfoot up Famau race this year where he sprinted in just seconds behind Andy Smith on one of the toughest short fell races in North Wales. Robbie was a modest unassuming chap who always had time for a chat – I’d certainly got no idea of his sterling running achievements of past years.
I would like to thank all at Helsby Running Club for their kind words and support. Dad was a true great and will be missed by many. He will probably be looking as us and thinking what all the fuss is about. One things for sure he will still be racing. God Bless Dad.
Lovely words Andrew..Your Dad certainly was a true gent, a very special man indeed.I was hoping to get back to Cheshire for next Friday but unfortunately, won’t be able to..My thoughts and my prayers are with you, especially for next week. God bless.xxx
Over the last few years I’ve had the great pleasure of being in the company of Robbie several times a week. As well as his superb running & walking exploits Robbie would also very often mention how proud he was of his Daughter Vicky, Sons Andrew & Johnathon & all his Grandchildren. xxx R I P Robbie
Rest in Peace Robble. your memory will live on with those of us that knew you. Always there for a friendly chat and always there to help anybody out.. we will never forget you! God Bless you mate!
Robbie to me was a very dear friend. Words can not discribe what a lose he will be.
I have spent many days with Robbie. Races, Walks and socal occasions.
We did many walks in many parts of the country. He could walk for hours and come to that he could talk for hours. It was due to his talking ability that I got to know him more for who he was and not for what he did. He was a very passionate man liked the simple things in life. Was very thoughtful towards his family. Like Mario I would also have the company of Robbie a copple of times a week. He would always call in for a chat and of course a cup of tea. Well I’ve no need to get up early to await his arrival anymore. But I’ll always be thankful to have known a true Gent.
Good Bless you Robbie thanks for the memories.
Very sad news ive heard from the club. I only new Robbie for only about 16 months. I have memories of how he use to run over the fell races like he did, for a man of his age. As i gain experience in my later years of running i will think of how Robbie inspire & think you can still run well in your sixties & seventies. Goodbye robbie & i would like to think you will now be running for eons with god.
a great loss to the running community
Robbie was a stalwart club member, a total gentleman and an inspiration. The trips to fell races far and near in Robbie’s bus, the camaraderie, the craic and the fun we all had will always remain treasured memories. Robbie’s recovery from serious illness a few years ago and his determination to return to the fell running he loved was remarkable and at an age at which most of his contemporaries would have settled for an armchair, is an inspiration to us all. On retirement, Robbie set himself the challenge of climbing all the Nuthall’s in Wales (mountains over 2000′). So next time you reach the summit of a Welsh mountain, pause for moment – Robbie will have stood there first.
Robbie Webster – RIP , may he Run In Perpetuity
A lovely guy always smiling , a inspiration will be missed
Robbie was a running hero, he never failed to fill me with enthusiasm to run at the start of fell races! Robbie always new when you’d had a good race and was the first to congratulate you. He gave me support and encouragement to run my first marathon in a half decent time, although not as fast as he thought I could…I’ll have to train a bit harder this time round eh Robbie!
I will miss Robbie’s infectious grin and his determination to get to the top of the fell, will remember him often at his favorite races and will always be inspired by his determination to do do what he loved to do regardless of age or illness.